Kobe Bryant is the best basketball player I have ever seen. There I said it! Before you get angry and call me crazy, allow me to state his case. Yes, Michael Jordan elevated the game. There is no question about it – he raised the bar. MJ had every ballplayer, male and female alike, high school, college, weekend warrior, or average hoopster, wanting to be like Mike.
Having acknowledged his tremendous influence on the game globally, brings me to why I make such a claim. MJ influenced the game of today that every player that ever plays from now on will always be compared to him. So, if one looks at the players of today as his children, which one best reflects his father?
Kobe is at this stage of his career and one could say he is just reaching his prime. However, he is a better shooter than MJ, has better handles, has a better left hand, and the same killer instinct. He is also as fierce a defender. I can hear the fellas in my barbershop now, “you crazy!” Were it not for Colorado, and the Shaq incidents, many would have conceded this quite some time ago. When Kobe’s name is mentioned, his critics only talk about off the court behavior. What about MJ’s records and achievements? As was said, Kobe is just now reaching his prime and has more championships than MJ did at this stage. However, whether or not he gets MJ’s records in and of themselves is no real measure, for Kobe’s NBA is filled with MJ imitators. Today’s league has many more talented players for whom the game just comes easily.
In 1984, when MJ entered the league, many of these players were not born, and others were toddlers, they learned the game by watching Jordan. They wore his shoes, wore baggy shorts because of him, some even tried to stick their tongues out in a similar fashion. With all of that, Kobe still dominates a league built on the Jordan brand. He more than any player since, not just resembles MJ, but also has shown the work ethic to build on that brand. Bryant is fueled by the hatred, whatever he is challenged to do he does. Jordan never had to play through a Colorado type incident, people chanting rapist, flying to court then back to work, all the while excelling at his craft. Jordan’s image was so carefully protected; one wonders how it would have held up under such trial.
MJ too spoke harshly to teammates. It is revisionist history to make it appear as though everyone who played alongside Jordan just loved him. He helped get a coach fired; players traded, and early on was considered selfish on the court. This is not to take anything away from him, only to say that when you are that driven, that focused and the fire burns that hot in you, people will be affected in different ways.
When questioned away from the spotlight, most of the players in the NBA admit that Kobe is the best among them. LeBron (James) may be bigger, stronger and faster, but does not have that killer instinct. He is a businessman and basketball player but, Kobe (like Mike), was born to play basketball. The league is filled with great talent, I would rank Dwayne Wade behind Kobe, however, LeBron, Carmelo (Anthony) and others are making a name for themselves.
So there it is my case for Kobe as the best. Not the best person, teammate, husband or father, just the best at his profession. I hope my doctor is a good husband, but I definitely need him to be a great doctor. My barber may not like the person who works in the chair next to him, but please don’t let that affect my Saturday appointment. Likewise, Kobe may not be many things but the one thing he is is a phenomenal basketball player… the best I have ever seen. Let the hate continue!
Bro Richard
“A fool and his money are soon parted.”
We have all no doubt heard the above expression, and most, if not all can be a witness in our own way of its truth. Recently, I saw a video clip of Lil Wayne in which he held up $100,000 (cash), which he stated he was just carrying around, as if it was OK.
The news reports that Antoine Walker, the 33-year-old professional basketball player, who after nearly 14 years in the NBA, and earnings topping the $100 million mark, is said to now be broke and in debt. We recall the case of Adam “Pac Man” Jones, who supposedly threw $80,000 at strippers, while “making it rain.” Former NBA player Latrell Sprewell’s financial troubles also have been well documented.
One NBA player reportedly owned 20 Bentleys. While this is not intended to call anyone of these young men fools, some of our behavior as it relates to money is absolutely foolish, and the problem appears to be having too much too soon.
One of the definitions of the word fool is “to trick or deceive.” Sadly it seems that too many of the young athletes and entertainers are tricked into believing they can simply live for today, for themselves and their entourage, followers, groupies etc. They are deceived by the seasonal adulation, physical gifts, and well paid handlers who only say what they believe will keep them in the good graces of their benefactors, all the while acknowledging, however quietly, the understanding that this will soon end. Many of the handlers, use the opportunity to create their own realities, pledging not to make the same mistakes. While some just enjoy the short ride up and the longer ride down.
A fool is also considered “one who is deficient in judgment, sense or understanding.” The ability to make good judgments is tied to one’s age, background and family structure. How much do these young men and women really know at 18 or 19 years old, when they are handed million dollar contracts? How much wisdom is present around them? And sadly, when those who would guide them aright (i.e. Minister Farrakhan) are present many handlers and managers encourage them away from such guidance.
What about their sense of self and community? Some arrive with an understanding that they are a part of a community, and while they should never be expected to solve all the problems, quite a few do their best. Others appear to have no sense of the problems that surround them, and are more interested in strip clubs than strip malls and more self-absorbed than self-aware. Whenever a part of the culture allows young men to believe that they can in fact make it rain, when that function is reserved for the creator, these self-deluded young men are soon to be brought back down to earth, as the rain itself.
There is a biblical instruction that says, “With all thy getting, get understanding.” There is an obvious lack of understanding on the part of those talented few, who have not yet developed the ability to discern, who, what, when, where and most importantly why. The who is “the who is this person” and what do they really want, unfortunately many have been taken advantage of, and caused others to look with suspicion on those who mean well. The when is the understanding of the season of your life; enjoy some of the good things in life, have your version of fun, but prepare for the winter of your life. The where is to consider the decision one is about to make, where will this take me. Such was the case of Steve McNair, the former NFL quarterback, who was shot to death by his girlfriend. The why is that which will keep us working to purify our motives.
Finally, an acknowledgment that these are oftimes young men who come from poor families, and neighborhoods, who in getting a taste of the good life are determined to enjoy it to the fullest, as Kanye West said on the song the good life “this [is] the life that everybody ask for.” My encouragement to these and the ones to come, is simply this study those who went before you and prepare for those to come.
Your Brother, Richard
This post is not intended to join the long and ever growing list of critics of Tyler Perry. However, it is time to weigh in on the issue of the character he has made a part of the sub-culture. While, I have never seen a Madea movie, I continue to support and thoroughly enjoy his movies like Why Did I Get Married and The Family That Preys. I could never get past long held beliefs that there was no need for us as a people to continue along the path that others have carved for us.
Nearly 40 years ago, the great Flip Wilson, gave the world Geraldine, a character for which he dressed up as a loud mouth, tell it like it is, black woman. Since that time, we have seen Eddie Murphy, Wesley Snipes, Martin Lawrence and Jamie Foxx all play the role of women. Now enters Madea.
It is important to point out that while much of the criticism of Tyler Perry appears to be motivated by jealousy and even some envy. There must be room in our community for lawful and constructive debate surrounding topics that affect the entire community, without the vitriol and self-loathing that seems to permeate much of our discussions.
Image via cocoalounge.blogspot.com
The question we ask is what of the power of images, especially in a community already lacking in good male role models? Charles Barkley once famously remarked, “I am not a role model,” all the while modeling his Nike shoes. The lack of strong black males has our community in crisis! We appear on Maury Povich denying our parental responsibilities and look to be more interested in the latest styles, rather than that, which will last. The nightly news depicts us as gun toting, self-shooting, dog killing, ear biting, white women killing, and now mass murdering.
Young black men continue to wonder about absent fathers and try to help with overworked mothers. Anger has replaced hope; faith that was never nurtured is all but gone. In addition, for recreation, we go to the movies and see our talented tenth, not using the awesome power at their disposal to lift, but to keep us laughing at our men not being men. Playing the role that is the only one that has been kept up in our lives, the strong black woman.
Some have said that it’s only a movie. Recently I had a discussion with another brother about this very topic. He was of the mind that it’s harmless fun. My question to him is, as a father of a young black male, what if you came home and your son was dressed in his mother’s clothes, just for fun, that is? Of course, he would not like that.
The fact that Tyler Perry, at this stage in his career, is now able to finance his own projects puts more of a challenge on him to bring out not the old stereotypical images of us as a people, but he must lift his end of this burden by charting a new course, as we are headed for higher ground.
Even though they may not be able to state it themselves, Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant, and yes President Obama are all black men, whose stories are only indicative of the many stories, which exist about successful, young and old black men. Rapper Jadakiss asked the question,
“Why did Denzel have to be crooked before he took it?”
Why do we have to be the cross dressing loud mouth? Why in 2009, when our best and brightest have the opportunities we have so longed for, do we seem to be part of the conspiracy to continue in the destruction of young black males? The dictionary defines the word image as-mental representation, idea or concept. Is Geraldine, Madea, Sheneneh, or Wanda the image we, as black people, want as our representation across the globe? Is that the idea?
And what about the church going fan base that makes up the large percentage of Madea supporters? What are their ideas, and concepts of black men, and how does this fit into the larger issue of men not being in church? Tyler Perry said he continues the Madea series for them. Well it’s time he demand more of them and they of themselves. Madea got him this fan base, and if they are true fans, not of Madea, but her creator, then they will appreciate the growth. As a solution to these problems, we would recommend that Spike Lee, John Singleton, Tyler Perry and other black filmmakers, sit to discuss projects that will uplift, not just us as a people, but the human family. Let’s stop talking at each other and talk to one another.
To those who would say, it’s their job, my simple reply is from the old black church and the warnings of our grandparents, “Don’t gain the world and lose your soul.”
Brother Richard
As we have all no doubt heard, Sammy Sosa, the retired baseball star has recently admitted to using bleaching creams in order to, as he said “soften his skin.” A tragedy is defined as an event resulting in great loss and misfortune, a drama in which the principal character is overcome by some superior force or circumstances. In 1954, Dr. Kenneth Clark conducted an experiment using young black children and dolls; given a choice, the children preferred the doll that had light complexion in the majority of the cases. Sadly Mr. Sosa, who hails from the Dominican Republic and has had tremendous success as a star athlete and all the trappings of fame, appears to be saying that he too, chooses the light-colored doll to play with. (Below is a video that explores the issue in more recent times.)
The tragedy here is that not only does he lose his natural color, given to him at birth by a marvelous creator; he also seems to have been overcome by the forces of a world that continues to make some believe that white skin is not only better, but now softer. The Bible tells the story of the wife of the prophet Lot, whom having been directed out of the pathway of God’s judgment, looks back and is turned into a pillar of salt.
Does Sammy Sosa look back and wish he were born another color, is he salty at having been born a darker member of the human family? What experiences has he had that make him like that? As a professional athlete, one who was hailed for his on field performances, what did he feel, see, and hear that makes him desire to destroy God’s gift?
We recall the furor over Michael Jackson’s transformation as it played out, from young black man to one who at the close of his time on earth looked white. Yes, Michael is said to have suffered with the skin disease Vitiligo, the larger issue being that there was an issue. Was Michael trying to get away, not just from being black, but from black people, did he have surgery in order to make his facial features more acceptable to his audience?
Sadly, the use of bleaching creams is now in wide use in places like Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Trinidad, and yes the continent of Africa. In Europe, many have begun to bleach out the natural color in order to look lighter. Apparently, we have been eating the wrong food. We have consumed a diet rich in self-hatred, self-denial, self-loathing, and self-defeating attitudes.
On a recent trip, I observed a beautiful Asian woman, and the unique contours of her eyes, listened to Latinos in their interaction and celebrated the ability to communicate in more than one language. I took a wider look around, saw the beauty of the human family, and remembered the words to a song by the great Louis Armstrong, which celebrates the beauty and diversity of life, its richness and wonder. Here’s hoping that Sammy Sosa, and all who think like him, would reflect that indeed they help to make it a wonderful world, just the way they are.
Bro Richard
The recently released song Russian Roulette by singer Rihanna has the internet buzzing. Some have taken to calling it the “devil song.” Others say that we should prepare for the explosion of teen suicides. Depending on an individual’s point of view, religious orientation, whether one is motivated by jealousy, childlike finger pointing, or seriously concerned with the messages of today’s music, this is a topic that has one wondering what’s in a name?
The song’s title comes from a “game,” the aim of which is to prove one’s bravery, or the lack thereof. According to history, it was made popular by soldiers and their prisoners in the early part of the 1900’s. In times that are more recent the “game” was introduced to a wider audience in the epic movie the Deer Hunter. This brings us to the song that is causing all this controversy. Rihanna is a young, beautiful and extremely gifted artist and she did not write the song, but having sung it is now faced with allegations that this further proves she has gone over to the dark side.
The larger issues that must be confronted are those that deal with the rising rates of teen suicide, rising rates of suicide among the members of our Armed Forces. Reports like those, which are being reported by the Huffington Post, which stated that the coroner of Elkhart, Ind. has reported an increase in suicide rates, which as he stated is blamed on the recession. Home foreclosures, job layoffs, failed promises, broken families and a general lack of hope make for these increased cases.
Why in the greatest country on Earth are the proud members of its military now taken their own lives in record numbers? Who is playing Russian roulette with the lives of the American people? Did 21-year-old Rihanna do that? Is she the sinister mastermind behind it all? What about those banks, realtors, etc, who encouraged innocent citizens, many of whom were simply trying to realize their own part of the American dream, home ownership? Why weren’t they advised they were in fact playing the banks version of Russian roulette? The bullet in this case was called an adjustable rate mortgage. The military, some experts have said is now stretched to capacity, causing longer deployments, leading to breakup of families, post-traumatic stresses and an overall unhealthy mental picture for those who are charged with keeping the country safe. What about those soldiers, where they told that deployment to Iraq, was a high stakes game of Russian roulette, that after the loss of many thousands of innocent lives, they find that the bullet was the lie of weapons of mass destruction.
Instead of finger pointing at Rihanna, or Ne-Yo, the song’s writer, it is time to take a look at why our young people and people from varying communities in our nation are seeing suicide as a viable solution . The job of combating the hopelessness, fears and sense of shame that has taken far too many down that road is not solely this writer. Why not question the record labels, who put out a song like this, the distributors, and then the artist? Yes, as we continue to state, artists have a real responsibility to uplift, to help guide and direct. The word entertain is defined as “to hold the attention of pleasantly or agreeably, to admit into the mind” so that one must be careful what we use as entertainment. It also cannot be left on the doorstep of another young artist to be blamed for all the world’s problems, for as the great Tupac Shakur once said, “I was given this world. I didn’t make it.”
Bro Richard
A star is defined as a luminous body, stars have been used from time immemorial to guide humans in their travels, as well as give celestial messages that great changes are under way. It is recorded that at the birth of Jesus, the wise men saw a star, which they followed to the newborn Messiah.
Much has been said as of late about some of the biggest names in hip-hop concerning their supposed allegiance with the Illuminati. “It’s a secret society all we ask is trust,” Jay-Z says in one of his songs. If wise men attended the birth of the Jesus some two thousand years before, is it possible that the same would be present today? Our young and gifted are seen as “stars” and have the potential and some would argue the responsibility to guide a world in darkness, out to light.
While I have never knowingly met anyone from any secret society, it only seems logical that much knowledge exist in the world that we do not know. Knowledge that could be shared, handed down, or revealed to a chosen few. The word Illuminati, according to the dictionary is said to mean the enlightened ones. Meaning something has been shared, or revealed that allowed them to see the light. The question that we must ask is, what is the responsibility of those who possess light, and those who having seen the light, to those who still grope in darkness? The prophet Moses is reported to have seen a light, which he investigated and there receive his orders from God.
Why is Tupac dead? What knowledge was he coming into? How can a shining star like his be extinguished and the killer never found? What about Notorious BIG? Were these just random acts of violence? Or is the greater message “do as you are told”? Many athletes on the college and pro levels will tell you that they are advised to stay away from using their celebrity for causes that are not in line with the agendas of their teams, or academic institutions. Kanye West, one of the artists being tied to the Illuminati via internet rumors. For example, in Jesus Walks, he raps, “if I talk about God my record won’t get played.” Why did he believe this?
The great Egyptian Pharaohs left messages that included the instruction to “Know Thyself.” One could say that means, become enlightened, the way of the Buddha is enlightment. Biblical teachings then ask what man having a light would hide it under a bushel basket.
Knowledge can be used for good or for evil, to know the personal failings of individuals in a world like this exposes one to blackmail etc., i.e. David Letterman. As one who considers himself a fan of many of these brilliant stars, I am reminded of something I read on the life of Bob Marley, according to one of his managers he was once visited by members of U.S. intelligence and told that his music was taking away the children of America, particularly the young whites. He was told he should go in another direction, and of course, he refused.
Much is made about why many of our more famous people don’t seem concerned with social causes, what fears restrict them? What pressures are they under? They seem to have it all, yet don’t appear concerned about the world and her children and their misdirection. Is it that they do not care or are they afraid? While one can appreciate their fear, for it is fear that initially accompanies great responsibilities, the responsibilities are greater still. These stars must accept to lead a people from darkness into light, each star in the heavens it is said has a definite lifetime and when it burns up its supply of fuel, it is then extinguished. Not to worry though, new stars are being born every day, and having been born they then appear. What we need is an alignment of these great stars while their light still shines, for it is not those who recognize light that obedience is owed but to the one who is light and shares it with us. Jay Z, Kanye, Rihanna, and others were not given their light by any Illuminati; they are first children of a Most High God. How they choose to use that light will be recorded in history. They can either be written alongside the great guardians of old or can be known as modern day Pied Pipers, who lure children away never to be seen again, or even the Roman emperor Nero, who is known for his extravagance and sang and played music while the city burned.
Bro Richard
These words begin the hit song of the legendary Marvin Gaye, as he asked the infamous question “What’s going on?” That question seems so appropriate for today’s realities. One must concede that Marvin Gaye was indeed ahead of his time. The news is filled with stories that promote fear, suspicion, and tell of the worst aspects of human behavior. So we are forced to ask ourselves nearly 40 years after its release “What’s going on?”
Nidal Hasan is identified as the shooter in the tragic shootings at Fort Hood, Texas; he supposedly has performed these heinous acts out of love for God and hatred for America. What’s going on? No interpretation of Islam, no concoction of any religious fervor put together can be used as a justification for mental illness. Mr. Nidal appears to be another in a long list of mental health professionals, he being an Army Physiatrist, who himself was in need of help. What were the warning signs? Were they ignored? That some would use his profession of faith against him is of no more value than to use his profession as reasoning. Islam, as a way of life, does not promote the taking of innocent life!
We won’t take the time to highlight the many evils that have been promoted in the name of the misunderstanding of God’s way and will, but the list goes on and on. From slavery, to the inquisition, on through to Timothy McVeigh, and others, misplaced aggression hidden under the banner of religious fervor has us where we are.
I am reminded of the movie “Religious,” in which comedian Bill Mayer challenges individuals based on their religious teachings to prove their particular system of belief. While taking a very irreligious approach the movie shows that most people, who make professions of faith, are not necessarily knowledgeable about the most in-depth aspects of their personal faith traditions. The Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said, “One learned man is harder on the wicked, than a thousand ignorant worshippers.” Sadly, most seem to be ignorant worshippers.
Ignorance is defined in some cases as simply not knowing. Dare I say that with regard to most religions, particularly Islam, most just don’t know. Ignorance is also referred to as to refrain from noticing, or recognizing. Have we not yet noticed that this level of intolerance is not the particular domain of any one group? The Bible’s teachings of Jesus tell us that before we condemn the speck in our brother’s eyes, we must first deal with the beam in our own. Once again, the Bible’s teaching lets us know that there is “none good,” no not one.
This brings us to the case of John Allen Muhammad, another individual who professed to be of a particular faith tradition, yet he went totally against what he was being taught. Killing innocent men and women, misleading his young accomplice and (allegedly) plotting to kill his ex-wife? He was not taught that in the Mosque. Those in the Nation of Islam are known as hardworking, and committed to community, and any deviation is not the work of the guidance received, but, the misunderstanding of those followers who, like so many lose our way from time to time along life’s road. Muslims anywhere, who are really trying to live the Quran, would not and cannot embrace such behavior, anymore than members of the Christian right embrace the rants of those who openly call for the killing of abortion doctors.
Lets us take time to inventory our world and ask ourselves, what’s going on? For we are reminded of the words of Bob Marley, “that when the rain falls, it won’t fall on one man’s house.”
Bro Richard
I thought we was off that! Off beefs, off Pac vs. Big, off the 5th, off the chain, off the ropes, off Nas vs. Jay, off 50 vs. Ja Rule, off Good Times, off [George W.] Bush, off hate, off being off, off Chris [Brown], off Rihanna, off Mike, off Coke, off Pepsi, off O.J.?
The recent killings in the news, Chicago, Fort Hood, and little children and families dying has me hoping that we will not again be drawn into another beef between two gifted artists and their fans and cities. No Jay-Z vs. Beanie Sigel, no Philly vs. New York, for in this season of Atonement, and approaching Thanksgiving and Christmas, are we still on that?
As a fan of both these artists, one can’t help but wonder, why?
What is driving this? Why hate Jay-Z? Is it because he is successful, young, gifted and black? Is it because he is now married and approaching life from a different perspective?
Why hate on Beans? He is obviously hurt, and disappointed. Not knowing all the circumstances, we can only hope that this is not played out as before. Now more than ever we call on responsible members of the community to sit with both artists and come to a resolution of this conflict. At the historic Million Man March, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, put before us the principle of atonement, that when followed allows us to put all our relationships into a healing motion. This is what we needed hear.
According to HipHopDX, rapper 50 Cent spends approximately $1.6 million yearly on security. As he said, “[I guess] many men wish death upon me.” Unfortunately, these stars that guide our youth are not the main casualties in these wars, that either they in their ignorance start or are started for them.
No, the real victims are young men like Derrion Albert, the young Chicago teen beaten to death by misguided, misdirected and all together troubled youth. There are too many young men with no direction except for what they get from these artists. With a Black family in the White House, elected under the banner of change we can believe in, it’s time that we lift our voices for change! No longer can we sit by on the sidelines while our children kill each other in the name of ignorance, vanity, and our petty jealousies.
If there is international furor over the killing of dogs (and rightly so), how much more should there be over the potential for loss of human life? One can’t help but wonder if Pac and Biggie had lived, would they say, “We still on that?”
Bro Richard
When we hear of or see someone of another race, color, ethnic group, what is the first thought that comes to mind?
And where did those stereotypes come from?
The word current is described as that which is common, widespread or popular. The common view of an Asian is no longer the irreverently bowing, physically smaller individual. Today the Asian economies are second to none, China recently hosted what some have described as the finest Olympic Games, and Asians leads the world in mathematical sciences
There was a time when Latinos in America was viewed as Ricky Ricardo, or Scarface. Today Latino’s are governors, mayors and supreme court justices. They are now known as God fearing, family oriented and hard working people. And while there is still much work to do, they seem more than equal to the challenge.
A black man has ascended to the highest office in the land, yet he can’t seem to escape the current of racism, bigotry and hatred.
The current state of Black in America is that of abandoned mothers, imprisoned fathers, wayward son’s and hurt daughters. And while we celebrate the Oprah’s, the Cosby’s and Johnson’s, these dilemmas are proof positive that no single individual can rise above the current condition of his or her people.
Currently, there is a new movie on tap, which is brought to life under the genius of Mr. Lee Daniels, supported by none other than the great Oprah Winfrey as well as Tyler Perry. The movie, according to reviews, deals with the abuse of a young black woman, and the many trials of her young life. While we must, forever thank the great Miss Winfrey for bringing these elements of black life to the consciousness of not just black people, but the world. I couldn’t help but wonder do we ever get a second chance to make a first impression? Most of the black women I know are strong, dignified, elegant, and dependable. Strong women have held what remains of the black community together, they run our churches, schools and most homes. And one can never underestimate the power behind the throne at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. When will their stories come to light? I couldn’t help but wonder, why I prefer the genius of Tyler Perry on display in movies like “Why did I get married”?
Then came the answer given by none other than Mr. Bill Cosby himself, black people are no longer unable to solve our own problems. Black people need to take responsibility for our own destinies. Black men need to be better fathers, black women better mothers, thereby producing betters children and families. Self-improvement we are taught, is the basis of community development.
The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan recently reminded readers in the Final Call newspaper that “We must depend on Allah (God) and ourselves”. In all of our churches, we sing songs of salvation, redemption and resurrection. The television is filled with wonderful preachers of the gospel, who speak of the same.
As a child, I enjoyed watching the television program called interestingly enough “Good Times”. However as I got older I reflected that times never did get good for the Evans family. Each and every time they seem to be making progress, there was another problem, which they just could not seem to overcome.
The movie “Color Purple”, made its star Whoopi Goldberg, synonymous with pain and heartache, for her brilliant portrayal of Miss Celie. In the current climate that theme is once again revisited, sadly there are far too many cases where this is all together real. For as the great Bob Marley once spoke “it’s a world that forces lifelong insecurities”, but as the song says we are the survivors.
The great rapper Jay-Z recently said it is now time for the “Death of Auto-Tunes.” A Black man is in the White House, a black man is arguably the greatest golfer of all time, and black players make up the majority of all major professional sports. Two black women rule professional tennis, blacks have helped to make cities like Atlanta, Chicago and Charlotte world-class destinations.
Our young and gifted are constantly being challenged to produce the kind of art that would uplift and transform the children of the world, as they are their recognized leaders. Meanwhile, they continue to say they are simply reflecting the realities that confront them each and every day.
The poet Maya Angelou says “And still I rise”, because regardless of the tremendous obstacles that present themselves each and every day, we are encouraged to look beyond our current circumstances and see “the promised land”.
Sadly, the reality that is the movie “Precious” is far too real in the lives of too many young women and men in today’s world. The idea of the abuse of any child should be heartrending to any human being.
However as we work to change the dress, behavior and attitude of the children, we must use every avenue to uplift and encourage. We must continue to challenge and accept the challenges to change, for change we must.
While abuse is a part of the story, there is more to the story, and the moral of the story must be focused on transformation, and renewal. Not just for a people, but a world in crisis.
-Bro Richard